Political influence and money in politics

The terrible truth in Washington today is that corporate America has virtually taken over our government. From health care … to taxes … to energy … to retirement security … to the environment … the policies promoted by the White House and most members of Congress mirror the interests of the richest Americans and the CEOs who run major corporations.

This takeover, accomplished with thousands of lobbyists and hundreds of millions in campaign contributions, has devastating consequences for the daily lives of Americans. It means that:

• Nothing gets done about the pharmaceutical industry’s price-gouging or the cruel and wasteful insurance system that dominates health care.

• Corrupt executives loot millions from public companies and walk away scot free while shareholders and retirees lose their life savings.

• Media barons like Rupert Murdoch grab more power and control over the news media and use it to serve the politicians who scratch their backs.

• Crooked companies rig the electricity and natural gas markets on the West Coast and steal billions of dollars from taxpayers and consumers.

• Politicians cite "homeland security" as a basis to hide information about chemical and nuclear facilities that threaten U.S. citizens.

• So-called free trade agreements promote a "race to the bottom" in health, safety and environmental standards.

It means that our democracy is in real danger!

Public Citizen fights for the public interest against the radical agenda of corporate welfare, deregulation, government secrecy and privatization of government services such as Medicare. Click on the links to the right to follow the political money trail.

Click here to search Public Citizen's database of section 527 groups, political organizations that can  accept unlimited amounts of "soft money" directly from corporations, unions and individuals.

Because Public Citizen does not accept funds from corporations, professional associations or government agencies, we can remain independent and follow the truth wherever it may lead. But that means we depend on the generosity of concerned citizens like you for the resources to fight on behalf of the public interest. If you would like to help us in our fight, click here.